Gallstones are clustered solids that are hardened deposits of digestive fluid. They form in the gallbladder, which is a small organ that is shaped like a pear. The gallbladder is located on the right side of the abdomen, just below the liver. It holds a digestive fluid, called bile, that is releases into the small intestine to assist the digestive process. Bile contains bile salts, cholesterol, proteins, fats, water and bilirubin, which is a pigment. The bile salts help break down cholesterol in the intestine and the bile salts break down fats. Gallstones can range in size. They can be as small as grains of sand or as large as golf balls. Some gallstones do not cause any signs or symptoms and usually do not need treatment, while other gallstones produce symptoms that lead to surgical removal of the gall bladder.
Signs
When gallstones block a duct and cause blockage, signs can include pain that is sudden and intensifying. This pain occurs in the upper-right part of the abdomen or in the center of the abdomen, just below the breastbone. Back pain between the shoulder blades and pain in the right shoulder are other signs of gallstones. The pain can last a few minutes or linger for hours. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, vomiting and nausea are also signs of gallstones, along with indigestion after eating foods that are high in fat, such as desserts and fried foods.
Complications
A gallstone can become blocked in the neck of the gallbladder. This condition can lead to an inflamed gallbladder, a condition called acute cholecystitis can occur. This condition can lead to additional symptoms, such as fever and prolonged pain. When a gallstone blocks the common bile duct, bile duct infection and jaundice can result. Signs of jaundice include yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. When a gallstone blocks the pancreatic duct, inflammation of the pancreas can occur. This causes intense, constant pain and requires hospitalization.
Risks
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, losing weight rapidly increases the risk of developing gallstones. However, the institute points out that obesity poses an even greater risk of developing gallstones. Losing weight gradually reduces of the risk of gallstones. Depending on the total weight, losing one-half to two pounds per week is recommended. Also, regular physical activity is associated with a lower risk for developing gallstones.
